The Met Office has slapped a rare amber weather warning on four UK regions as Storm Bert threatens to wreak havoc across large parts of Britain later this week.
The 10-hour alert is in place for parts of Scotland this weekend, as gusts of up to 70mph will hammer into the British Isles.
The Grampian, Central, Tayside & Fife, Highlands & Eilean Siar, and Strathclyde areas are all impacted by the severe warning between 7am and 5pm on Saturday, November 23.
Storm Bert’s arrival follows a week of wintry showers and freezing temperatures, which have already caused hazardous conditions across northern and exposed areas.
Snow and ice warnings remain in place for parts of the UK through Friday, as cold air persists.
The weather warning from the Met Office reads: “Heavy snow will spread northeastwards on Saturday morning, giving significant accumulations in many areas. Accumulations of 10-20 cm are likely on ground typically above 200m, with potentially as much as 20-40 cm on hills above 400m.
“Snow will eventually revert to rain during Saturday afternoon, but may be preceded by a short spell of freezing rain in places adding to the ice risk.
Strengthening winds will lead to drifting of lying snow, with difficult travelling conditions likely on higher level routes, and the risk of interruptions to power supplies. A fairly rapid thaw of lying snow is then likely on Saturday night as milder air moves in.”
Southern and western regions of the UK will face heavy rainfall, with 50-75 mm expected widely and over 100 mm possible in parts of Wales and southwest England.
Rapid snowmelt and periods of strong winds are likely to exacerbate the risks of flooding and travel disruption. In northern England and Scotland, snowfall could be heavy, particularly over elevated areas.
What to Expect
- Travel Delays: Roads are likely to face significant delays, with some vehicles and passengers potentially stranded.
- Power Cuts: Outages are likely, impacting mobile phone coverage and other essential services.
- Rural Communities: Some rural areas may become cut off due to heavy snowfall.
- Rail Travel: Delays and cancellations are expected across the rail network.
- Hazardous Surfaces: Untreated pavements and cycle paths may become impassable.
- Injuries: Slips and falls on icy surfaces are likely, posing risks to pedestrians.
The Met Office urges everyone to prepare for severe weather impacts and follow updates as Storm Bert approaches.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued Cold Health Alerts for England, urging health and social care professionals to prepare for the impacts of prolonged cold weather. The public is also encouraged to stay informed and take precautions.
RAC Breakdown spokesperson Alice Simpson said: “With freezing temperatures already causing disruption, we advise motorists to plan well and ensure vehicles are winter-ready. Stick to major roads, reduce speeds, and carry essentials like blankets, warm clothing, and phone chargers.”
The unsettled weather is expected to persist into early next week, with strong winds and showers affecting many areas.
Although temperatures will average out for most, a brief return to colder conditions with wintry showers may occur before milder weather resumes by the end of next week.
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